Walking into Ascend Amphitheater on a humid Nashville night, I felt the buzz of anticipation ripple through my body. I also felt the sweat pouring down my head thanks to this unusually hot summer.
There’s something about seeing a band like Alabama Shakes in an outdoor venue that already feels electric before the first note is played. It’s been almost eight years since the band had their last tour, going on hiatus while various members — including lead singer Brittany Howard — released solo projects. The amphitheater, with its view of the skyline and the Cumberland River, was the perfect backdrop for the band.
And it was time to showcase their soulful, raw, and unapologetic folk rock sound.
From the moment they launched into their walkout song (a cover of CCR’s “Run Through the Jungle”) before seguing into their classic “Hang Loose”, I was struck by how much more alive their music feels in-person.
Brittany Howard’s voice is otherworldly — something she’s always been known for. It’s a force that shifts from delicate whispers to thunderous roars, with each note dripping with emotion. “Don’t Wanna Fight” sent chills down my spine, with the entire audience not just singing but screaming along. Her vocal delivery is unlike most singers of her genre; it’s storytelling, channeling joy, pain, and passion in equal measure.
The band itself was tight, locked in with a groove that felt both spontaneous and controlled. Heath Fogg’s guitar lines cut through with precision, while the rhythm section anchored every song with a steady, pulsing beat that had the crowd swaying, clapping, and — occasionally — erupting into dance.
What I appreciated most was how unpolished and genuine their sound remains throughout the show.
In many ways, it felt like they were performing at a much smaller and intimate place… not a 6,800 person amphitheater. There were no unnecessary frills, no distracting production tricks — just pure musicianship and heart. The band didn’t even have an intricate light show. Brittany Howard’s white feather dress was all the ‘extra’ the performance needed.
Highlights came one after another. Obviously their biggest hit “Hold On” was powerful and the tenderness of “Gimme All Your Love” was another standout, where Howard’s voice climbed into an aching plea that silenced the audience into awe. It was the kind of performance where you could look around and see people completely absorbed, eyes closed, letting the music wash over them. I, for one, closed my eyes multiple times during this show.
Beyond the songs themselves, the atmosphere was unforgettable. The open air, the lights of the city, and the sea of fans united by love for Alabama Shakes created a cover over the arena that was almost spiritual. By the time they closed with “Sound & Color”, the night felt complete.
Walking out, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Alabama Shakes didn’t just play music; they, at least for a couple of hours, made the world feel beautifully whole.
Photography by Derek Jones
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